Houston County sheriff’s deputy fired amid sexual assault investigation
A Houston County Sheriff’s Office deputy was fired after she was identified as a suspect in a sexual assault in Warner Robins, according to a news release posted to Facebook by the sheriff’s office.
The Warner Robins Police Department responded to a sexual assault incident on May 18. Nakia Benefield, a school resource deputy officer for the HCSO, was identified as a suspect. She had worked for the sheriff’s office since July 24, 2023.
She was placed on administrative leave with pay as the investigation continued. While WRPD investigated the incident, the HCSO conducted an internal investigation. The agency found Benefield allegedly “violated agency policies and standards of conduct,” the news release said.
The specifics of the sexual assault and the internal investigation were unclear as of Wednesday.
Benefield was suspended without pay on May 19, according to the news release.
“In accordance with agency policy, Deputy Benefield was afforded the opportunity to appeal the pending termination through May 29,” the news release said. “No appeal was filed. Consequently, Deputy Benefield’s employment with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office was terminated effective June 1.”
HCSO said it will cooperate with WRPD and the Houston County District Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues.
‘Without trust, there can be no partnership.’
Sheriff Matt Moulton said in the release that “allegations of criminal misconduct involving a law enforcement officer are among the most serious matters any agency can face.”
“Such allegations are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and addressed decisively,” Moulton said. “In this case, immediate action was taken to remove Deputy Benefield from active duty while both the criminal and administrative investigations were conducted.”
The actions of Benefield do not reflect the character of the HCSO, Moulton said. The majority who work for the sheriff’s office “serve this community honorably, professionally and with integrity every day,” he said in the release.
“The foundation of public safety is trust,” Moulton said. “The partnership between law enforcement and the community we serve depends upon accountability, transparency and professionalism. Without trust, there can be no partnership. The HCSO remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and will continue to hold all employees accountable for their actions.”
